Westminster Begins 127th Year

Westminster began its 127th year by welcoming 394 students to campus including 268 boarding students and 126 day students. The students represent 23 states, 18 countries and numerous Connecticut cities and towns.At the first assembly of the year held Sept. 5 in Armstrong Atrium, Headmaster Bill Philip welcomed everyone to the new school year and asked them to give a round of applause to new students. He spoke about the importance of Westminster’s community moments such as assemblies, chapels, guest speakers and family style dinners. “That is how we bond as a community.”
 

Head Prefect Ryan Seymour, a boarding student from Fairfield, Conn., then gave welcoming remarks to each form. He congratulated Third Formers on their admission to Westminster and explained the school’s core values of community, character, balance and involvement. “It is my hope to see that you all take each one of these into account as you spend each day here on the Hill.” He then recommended that they try to involve themselves in as many activities as possible. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, to try new things and to meet new people.”
 

Likewise, he advised members of the Fourth Form not to be afraid to do things they might not ordinarily do. “You never know, it might become one of your passions.” He also reminded them to be sure to involve new students. “In some ways, that is one of the best things about Westminster,” he said. “You always have the chance to meet new people.”
 

He shared with the Fifth Form that their year ahead might not be as “scary” as it may seem. “I think the hardest part about Fifth Form year is learning to balance academic and social life,” he said. “You are now upper formers, and you are in leadership roles with the Sixth Formers.”
 

Lastly, he congratulated his fellow Sixth Formers on their long journey at Westminster. “Let’s have fun and a strong senior year,” he said. “What goes for the Third and Fourth Form also goes for us. Don’t be afraid to try new things because this is our last year, and there is no better environment to try something new, like a new sport or auditioning for a role in the fall play.” He closed by saying he looks forward to a great last year on the Hill.
 

In Westminster tradition, everyone then proceeded to the Sixth Form Lawn for the Pin Ceremony, where Sixth Formers were presented with a class pin or pendant designed by their form. Following that, all new students participated in the Sign-In Ceremony in Andrews Memorial Chapel, where they were greeted by the Sixth Form Prefects and Headmaster Philip, and signed their name in the new student book signifying their formal entrance to the school.